Charlie Austin
English striker who rose from non-league football to the Premier League, scoring for Burnley, QPR, and Southampton.
Charles Austin (born 5 July 1989) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Southern League Premier Division South club Hungerford Town.
- Position
- Centre-Forward
- Era
- N/A
- Previous Club
- N/A
- Subsequent Club
- N/A
- Manager
- N/A
Lore & Background
Born in Hungerford, Berkshire, Austin trained with Reading's youth teams but was released at age 15 for being too small. He played non-league football for Kintbury Rangers, Hungerford Town, Thatcham Town (without making any appearances), and Poole Town, where he scored 46 goals in 46 appearances in the 2008–09 season. He signed for Swindon Town in September 2009 after a trial, scoring 20 goals in his first professional season. He moved to Burnley in January 2011, where he set club records for consecutive scoring appearances and fastest 20 goals in a season. After a failed medical with Hull City, he joined Queens Park Rangers in August 2013, scoring 18 Premier League goals in the 2014–15 season and earning an England call-up. He signed for Southampton in January 2016, scoring the winning goal on his debut against Manchester United. He later played for West Bromwich Albion, joining in August 2019.
In Their Own Story
The roar at Falmer fades into the background as Charlie Austin tracks back, eyes fixed on the defender's shoulder. A loose ball spills in the box. There is no hesitation. One touch to settle, another to lift it over the keeper. The net ripples, and the striker turns away before the celebration begins, knowing the work isn't done until the final whistle.
Reader's Guide
Austin is a striker known for his prolific goal-scoring in the Football League Championship and Premier League. He has played for Swindon Town, Burnley, Queens Park Rangers, Southampton, and West Bromwich Albion. His career includes a Premier League Player of the Month award in December 2014 and a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion.
Did You Know?
- Austin scored 46 goals in 46 appearances for Poole Town in the 2008–09 season.
- He set a Burnley club record by scoring in eight consecutive appearances in 2012.
- He became the quickest Burnley player to reach 20 goals in a season, doing so in 17 appearances.
- Austin scored a hat-trick in a 3–2 Premier League win over West Bromwich Albion in December 2014.
- He scored the winning goal on his Southampton debut against Manchester United in January 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Charlie Austin in Brighton history?
He was an English centre-forward who transferred from AFC Bournemouth to play under Chris Hughton. During his stay, he became a recognizable face for supporters attending matches at the Amex Stadium.
What role did he fill in the squad?
Austin acted as a target man and poacher capable of converting chances with efficiency. His physical style provided a focal point that helped sharpen the Seagulls' attacking options.
When was his active period at Brighton?
He played for the club during the 2014–2015 season, which was part of their modern Championship resurgence. This specific window marked a key time of development before later promotion campaigns.
Where did he go after leaving the Seagulls?
Following his departure from Brighton, Austin signed for Reading FC to continue his career path. His exit concluded a short but memorable chapter in the club's recent history.
Why do fans remember him today?
He is remembered for scoring vital goals that helped stabilize the team within the second tier of English football. Even with a brief tenure, his impact contributed to the foundation built during Hughton's management.
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